The International Fund for Animal Welfare’s state-of-the-art marine research vessel Song of the Whale is always a big draw, and its presence in Iceland this summer provided an ideal opportunity to take a cross-party group of British MPs to see the work we are doing there to end commercial whaling.

U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) today introduced S.3547, the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act, aimed at prohibiting private possession and breeding of captive big cats in the United States. The House version of the bill was introduced by U.S. Reps. Buck McKeon (R-CA) and Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) last March.

Last week it was announced that the Department of Environment has ticked the last box which will allow a Singapore-based company, Arcadia, to carry out seismic testing in an essential feeding ground for sperm whales.

U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) has introduced S. 3547, the Senate companion to H.R. 4122, the House version of the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act, aimed at prohibiting breeding and private possession of captive big cats in the United States.

The senator, a longtime champion of wildlife protection and conservation, is committed to safeguarding big cats from exploitation and abuse, while also addressing the myriad challenges facing law enforcement as it deals with tigers kept in backyards or roadside zoos.

Ms. Sonja Van Tichelen has been appointed the new Director of the European Union (EU) office of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW - www.ifaw.org), bringing a wealth of animal welfare and public affairs expertise to the role.

Sonja is extremely well known within animal welfare circles in Brussels having previously spent 20 years with Eurogroup for Animals. Sonja served as Director for the previous eight years.